Monrovia, Liberia — Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County has released a detailed assessment of several major concession agreements under national review, declaring that none of the deals— involving Ivanhoe, ORANTO Petroleum, and ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML)—currently meet the compliance standards required for legislative approval.
As lead campaigner for concession compliance, Sen. Twayen said the reviews were guided by three priorities: adherence to Liberian law, procedural integrity, and protection of community interests.
Ivanhoe Agreement
The Ivanhoe Concession Access Agreement received a 77% compliance rating—below the senator’s minimum threshold of 85%. Twayen outlined four conditions that must be met before he can support ratification:
Paving of the road designated for transporting ore from Nimba to the Guinea border.
Assurance that Liberia will not be compelled to repay the US$37 million already received by the previous administration due to delays.
Presentation of a clear rail operations framework involving the government, Ivanhoe, and ArcelorMittal.
A fully defined community development fund under the exclusive control of communities and government, not shared with the company.
ORANTO Petroleum
ORANTO received a 72% compliance score. For consideration, Sen. Twayen said the company must provide:
Proof of purchasing new seismic data for the four offshore blocks, which would yield US$800,000 for the government.
A guaranteed 25% Liberian stake not tied to uncertain joint investment fund timelines. Evidence of active offshore operations elsewhere to demonstrate real capacity.
ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML)
Twayen noted that the Legislature has not yet received a new AML agreement. However, his office has documented extensive noncompliance and violations of the existing Mineral Development Agreement over the past seven months. The findings have been submitted to President Joseph Boakai, the Nimba Legislative Caucus, and Senate committees.
He insisted that AML must fully and retroactively meet all existing obligations before any new agreement is considered.
Sen. Twayen reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and community rights, emphasizing that Liberia’s natural resources “belong to the people” and every concession must reflect that principle.
